Magneto



Febf 18, 1941. K. A. HARMON Erm.

MAGNET Ol wm, s

bmw w @A Patented Feb`.'1s, 194i UNITED sTATi-:s

-PATENT OFFICE 4 2,232,451 MAGNE'ro Kenneth A. Harmon, Longmeadow, and Ralph W. Crocker. West Springfield, Mass.. assigner-s to Wico Electric Company,

West Springfield,

Mass., a corporation of Massachusetts Application July 27, 1938, Serial No. 221,510

, 2 Claims. (Cl. 17l209) This invention relates to improvements in magnetos. 4

The invention has for an object the provision in a -magneto of an improved housing structure,-

The other of said members serves as a remov' able cover and also carries the breaker point mechanism. 'I'he two housing members are separable along a parting surface" such that the vlaminations of the stator are completely exposed when the cover member is removed, and project beyond the frame member in position for finishing, as by grinding, for example. With this arrangement an inexpensive but effective mounting of the laminated stator members may be utilized-the various elements being clamped to the frame by screws,-and after these members have been thus clamped, they may be ground to provide `surfaces in true concentricity with the rotor, all the bearings for which are also in the same frame. Also, the tops of the two laminated side members of the stator are wholly exposed so that they may be -accurately machined, as by grinding, for a close flt with the coil-carrying core of the stator which rests thereon. Y

The invention also has for an object to provide a housing' for the stator, rotor, coils and breaker point mechanism, whereby the same are completelybenclosed, one member of the housing carrying all elements of the breaker point mechanism, except its actuating cam, and having a removable coverY tov afford access .to such mechanism, the other member of the housing affording a frame to which are clamped the laminated-iron stator members one of which carries the coils, and from which all moving parts such as the rotor and breaker point actuating cam are rotatably supported,-sald members, coils, rotor and cam being completely\exposed on one face .of the framexand accessible on removal of the other housing member,-th`e rotor shaft extending be',- yond the. opposite face of the frame witha suitable coupling element for connection to an erigine driven shaft. Y

A further object of the -invention is to provide in a magneto oi the type described, an impulse coupling as a driving' connection between the rotor shaft and the engine shaft, said coupling pended claims.`

being also wholly supported from the rotor shaft and. thus from the one frame which supports all other moving parts.

A further object of the invention is to provide in the exposed outer face of the frame member a recess surrounding the rotor and servingto house lubricating means for the rotor bearings and a closure plate for said recess mounted on said face and capable of angular adjustment, said plate A carrying the abutment for cooperationwith the pawls of the impulse coupling.

g These Vand other objects will be best under' stood as the detailed description proceeds and they will be particularly pointed out in the ap'- The invention will be disclosed with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

, Fig. 1 is an exterior side elevational view of a magneto embodying the invention;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary view taken from the left hand end of Fig. l with the distributer casing removed to show the interrupter mechanism;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary view taken from the Vright hand end of Fig. 1 and showing the driving connections, including an impulse coupling;

Figs. 4 yand 5 are front and rear elevational views, respectively, of the frame member of the magneto, shown separately as such, except in the case of Fig. l5 where a closure plate which also carries the stop for the impulse coupling is shown;

Fig. 6 is a cross sectional view of the magnetic l rotor;

Fig. `'7 is a fragmentary view taken similarly to Fig. 1 and showing a modification in the casingof the magneto;

Fig. 8|is a full size view, taken from the same direction as Fig. l and showing vall of the magneto, except for the distributer and part of the impulse coupling, in central longitudinalsection; Fig. 9 is an elevational view taken from the left hand end of Fig'. 1 and' showing the magneto as it appears after the 'various removable casings have been removedf V Fig. 10 is a fragmentary sectional plan view taken on the line l-I 0 of Fig. 2; and' Fig. 1lv is a sectional view takenon the line of the magneto are mounted; a hollow casing Il Y 4which may be of Bakelite and is secured by screws l2 to frame l0 and which cooperates with this frame to provide an enclosure for the parts supported on the frame and which carries within it the interrupter mechanism; and a distributer having two casing sections I3 and I4 held together in the conventional manner by spring clips I5,- the inner casing I3 being fixed a's later described to casing II. In the event that a distributer is not required, the casings I3 and I4 are replaced by a cover I6 (Fig. 7), secured to casing II by screws I1 and closing the opening in casing II through which access is had -to the interrupter mechanism as will later appear.

The stator of the magneto-(see Figs. 8 and 9) comprises a laminated iron core I8, primary and secondary coils I9 and20, respectively, mounted on core I8, and a pair of laminated iron extensions or side members 2I, which are connected one to each end of core I8 and extend downwardly therefrom -in parallel relation, having on their inner and confronting faces .partly cylindrical surfaces 22 which cooperate with the pole shoes of the rotor.

The rotor of the magneto (Fig. 6) comprises two short bar magnets 23 of high coercive force,

mounted in laterally spaced, parallel relation, and two laminated iron pole shoes 24. The polar ends of the magnets are inset into the pole shoes as shown,-like polar ends of both magnets being connected to the same pole shoe. The laminations of each shoe are preliminarily held together in any suitableway, as by rivets 25. Both shoes and magnets are permanently held together by a body 26 of non-magnetic metal cast around them and engaging opposite ends thereof, as shown in Fig. 8.

The drive shaft of the magneto (Fig. 8), designated 21, has two longitudinally spaced journals 28 and a ange 29 which is secured by screws 30 to the outer end face of the rotor. Shaft 21 also extends to the left of the flange to carry a twolobed cam 3| (Figs. 2 and 9) for operating the interrupter, Shaft 21 also extends to the right of the right hand journal 28 for coupling engagement with some suitable engine driven shaft.

y The cam 3I has a bore to receive the outer end of shaft 21 and is keyed thereto, as indicated. The outer end of such bore is counterbored to receive a cap screw 32 which is threaded into an end of shaft 21 and the head of which bears vagainst the shoulder formed at the base of the counterbored portionand clamps the carn against ange 29. Cam 3| thas an open-endedslot 33 slinger 5 I,

therein to receive the crank-like projection 34 of the distributer shaft 35. i

The frame member I0 (Figs. 8 and 9) is die-cast in roughly the form of an open rectangular box with such extensions therefrom as may be necessary in each particular case to provide for mounting it on the engine which is to drive the magneto and for which the magneto is to supply ignition. In this case, the magneto is provided with a crankcase mounting but it is to be understood that other forms of mounting may be provided, as may be necessary or desired. For the crankcase mounting, the rear and closed face of the box-1ike member I0 is extended to'forml a ange 36 (see also Fig. 5) with holes v31 and-- screw which is adapted to thread into the crankcase. ,A circular pilot flange-39 (Figs. 5 and 8) is provided to closely fit the opening in the engine crankcase and centralize the drive shaft 21 with the engine shaft to which it is adapted to be coupled.

The box-like frame I0 has a smooth fiat face 40 embordering its open end and is marginally recessed outside said face, as at 4I, to receive the projecting rim 42 which emborders the open end of casing II (Fig. 8). Within the lower part of the hollow box-like frame I0, a hollowl hub 43 is formed and fixed in .and projecting forwardly from this hub through and beyond the openv face of the box-like frame ls a hollow stud 44, provided interiorly with bearings 45 to receive the journals 28 of the magneto drive shaft.

Within the lower part of hollow hub 43 is a reservoir for lubricant and fixed to shaft 21, just beyond the right hand journal 28, is an elevator disc 41 of thin metal which conveys lubricant from the reservoir. Above the shaft, the hub 43 is recessed to receive a spring-pressed scraper 48 which bears against disc 41./ and removes lubricant therefrom,-such lubricant passing by gravity through a passage 49 formed partly in hub'43 and partly in stud 44, into the interior of the hollow stud at a point between the journals 28. The lubricant flows in opposite directions along the shaft to lubricate both journals and bearings. Lubricant also passes from the left hand end of the left hand journal 28 radially outward between the flanged outer face of such journal and the adjacent end face of a flange 21 on shaft 21,-such faces cooperating as a thrust bearing. Lubricant passing this thrust bearing is forced to travel back in the space between the exterior of stud 44 and the wall of the central hole 50 in the rotor. The inner end face of the rotor is formed as an oil operating by centrifugal force to throw oil outwardly into an oil catching ring 52 fixed in the hub 43. This ring, at its lower portion, opens into the reservoir 46. It is preferred to have the lubricant, such as oil, contained within an absorbent material such as felt 46 which lls the reservoir.

The outer end of the hollow hub 43, which would otherwise be open, is closed by a circular plate 53, set into a recess in flange 38 and held in `place.by the heads of four screws 54, threaded into the flange. The heads of these screws partially overlap plate 53 (Fig. 5). By loosening these screws, the plate can be rotated for the purpose of adjusting a stop 55, xed on the plate and adapted for cooperation with the pawls of the impulse coupling. Into the central part of plate 53 is set a casing 56 of thin metal, containing packing 51 which engages the hub of a member 58 nxed on shaft 2,1, and prevents escape of lubricant. This member 58 serves as an oil slinger, throwing outwardly any oil passing the right hand end of the right hand journal 23 of shaft 21, such oil beingthrown back into reservoir 46. A hole 53 is provided in the bottom wall of member I0 to the left of hub 43, for the purpose of Ventilating the interior of the enclosure formed by the member I0 and casing II.

That portion of drive shaft 21 which projects to the right beyond plate 53 is provided with any appropriate means for coupling it to the enginev shaft,-the particular means used being a matter of choice and depending on the circumstances of each particular case. As herein shown, an impulse coupling of well-known form is employed. This coupling includes driving and driven members 6'0 and 6I, respectively, interconnected by a spiral spring 62 xed at its ends one to each member. In this case, one end of the spring is bent over and engaged in a notch in member l and the other end. vsimilarly formed, is engaged in a notch in a part 84. 'I'he part 84 is fixed to a flattened portion 8.4 of shaft 21. The driving member 80 is mounted to turn freely on a bushing 83 threaded on the outer end of shaft 21. This driving member has lugs 65 adapted for driving engagement with a coupling part on the engine shaft. The driven member 6| is iixed to the flattened portion 84' of shaft 21 and carries at diametrically opposite points two pawls 88 (Fig. 3), pivoted thereto at 81 and each having a weighted end 88'. On slow rotation of the driving shaft, these pawls will successively engage stop 55 and momentarily arrest the magneto shaft, while spring 82 is wound up by continued rotation of the driving shaft. One pawl is shown in this locking position in Fig. 3. On continued counterclockwlse rotation of the driving member 80, one of the flanges 68 thereon will engage the pawl 68 and force it inwardly outof engagement with stop 55, allowing the previously wound up spring 82 to relieve its stress and drive the shaft 21 ahead at high speed.

The casing I I carries all elements of the interrupter except the operating cam 3|, already described. This casing, in addition to the substantially rectangular opening .in its .rear face, which opening is closed by frame I0, has a roughly elliptical opening 10 (Fig. 2) in its opposite and front face,-such opening being closed by the distributer casing I3 (Fig. 8) or alternatively by the cover I6 of Fig. '1, in case a distributer is not needed. Back of this opening and on opposite sides thereof are integral bosses 1| (Fig. 10) in which are embedded studs 12', one in each. A metal plate 13 bridges across the lower part of opening 10 with its ends overlapping and abutting the bosses 1|. The studs 12 pass through plate 13, and through small flat springs 14, and are headed over to fix the plate 13 to casing and the springs 14 to plate 13. When cover II is in place on frame I0, each spring contacts with a head of one of the cap screws 15 used to clamp the laminations 2| to frame I0. The springs 14 thus serve to ground plate 13 to the frame I0. As shown in Fig. 2, the interrupter elements are all mounted on the front face of plate 13 (Fig. 2). Thebreaker points are shown at 16 and 11. Breaker point 16 is mounted on a metalv bracket 18 fixed in a manner to enable adjustment to plate 13 by screw 19 and in electrical connection therewith. The breaker point 11 is carried on one end of a lever 48|) of insulating material, pivoted at 8| to plate 13 and having its other end riding on cam 3|. A spring 82 serves to hold the lever 80 in engagement with cam 3| and also to electrically connect breaker point 11 to a terminal 83. This terminal is the insulated terminal of a condenser which is mounted within a molded casing 84 of insulating material. Casing 84 is secured by screws 85 to plate 13 and the right hand screw serves to clamp the ground terminal 86 of the condenser to plate 13 (see is driven from shaft 21 by the crank pin 34 andv that it is electrically connected to the magneto by the wire 88. The distributor casing I3 has a rear wall 89 and screws 90, passing through this wall thread into holes (shown at 9| in Fig. 2) on plate 13, thereby holding the casing I3 infplace.

The lamination groups 2| are each Lfirmly clamped to the finished face 40 of frame I0 by cap screws 15,--two such screws being provided for each group. These screws closely nt the holes in the members 2|, just like locating dowel pins, and hold the'members against lateral displacement independently of the clamping pressure of the screws. The laminations of each group are bound together prior to assembly on frame I0 by rivets 92. The core I8 rests upon the upper ends of members 2| and is clamped thereto by clips 93 and screws 94, which bind` the clips to frame I0. The laminations of core I8 are also bound together, prior to assembly on'members 2 I, by rivets 95. The core I8 does not directly abut surface 40 but is spaced therefrom by pins 95, fixed to l member I0.

The coils I9 and 20 lie between the members 2| and also extend rearwardly into the recessed upper portion of frame l0. Separator discs 91 of insulating material are mounted on core I8, one at each end of the coils and serve to protect the ends of such coils from the adjacent members 2|. One terminal of each coil I9 and 20 is grounded to frame I0. Such terminals are connected together and to a wire 88 which is fastened beneath one of the clips 93. The other terminal of the primary coil I9 is connected by a wire 99 which extends downwardly through hole 10 and over plate 13, and is connected to terminal 85. The other terminal of the secondary coil terminates in a metal button |00. The Wire 88 (Fig. 8) has a spring terminal |0I, engaging in a metal socket |02, embedded in casing II. Secured to the inner end yof socket |02 by a screw |03 is a spring clip |04, which engages the button |00 to complete the electrical connection.

The invention affords substantial savings in manufacturing cost without in any way detracting from sturdiness of construction, effectiveness in operation and useful life of the magneto. An important saving results from the simple means employed for anchoring the stator elements, particularly the two side elements 2| ofthe inverted U-shaped structure. These side elements are frequently embedded in the frame during the casting process but this is costly and great care must be used to get them accurately located in the molds. Moreover, it has heretofore been necessary, where these elements have been embedded in the housing, to provide a removable top cover section in order to expose them enough to allow finishing of the surfaces on which the ends of core I8 rest. With the construction here shown, the laminations are bound together by the rivets 92 in the usual way and then located properly on frame I0 and clamped in place by the screws 15. Two screws, each having a close fit, like that of a locating dowel, in the holes in its member 2|, serve both to locate and to clamp such member rigidly in place, preventing it from lateral displacement in any direction. These members 2| rest on the finished face 40 or, more particularly, on sections |05 (Fig. 4) thereof. These sections |05 are supporting pads of a width equal to the width of members 2| at the locations where the screws 15 are applied. The two pads |05 for each member 2| effectively support the member, preventing it from tilting. The pads |05 constitute the important parts of the finished face and the rest of such face might even be omitted insofar as the supporting function is concerned. -It will be clear that the elements 2|,

having been clamped in place on frame In, may be nished simply but accurately so that the surfaces 22 are truly concentric with the bearings 45 for the rotor and so that the upper ends may be ground accurately to receive the ends of core I8.

All machining operations, except for the rotor and its shaft, are performed on the one frame member I0 and parts fixed thereto. All necessity for aligning bearings in separate parts is avoided by providing all the bearings in member I0. For example, the hollow stud M is first nished with a reamer. Then the casting is mounted on an arbor forced into the reamed stud, after which the face 40 and the correspcnding faces of pads |05, which come smooth and flat as a result of the die casting process without requiring machining, is clamped against a face plate. Then all necessary boring and facing operations are done with this set-up. Then the casting is reversed on the arbor and face plate and the surfaces 22 machined. With a similar mounting of the casting the tops of laminations 2| are ground. rI'his disposes of all machining operations except the drilling and tapping of holes |06, |01 and |08 for screws 15, I2 and 94, respectively, and the drilling of holes |09 for dowel pins 96. All this work is capable of being performed in quantities at low unit cost. By the construction described, close accuracy in the desired close t between the rotor and stator elements 2| is insured. The widely spaced bearings 45 support the shaft so effectively that its overhanging portions, one carrying the interrupter cam and the other the impulse coupling run truly without eccentricity which, if present, would interfere with proper actuation of the interrupter.

'I'he operation of the magneto is as usual, and being well understood in the art, need not be described herein, especially since the invention is more particularly concerned with the mechanical instead of the magnetic and electrical phases of the construction. For a full disclosure of the operation, reference is made to U. S. Patent No. 1,858,404 granted May 17, 1932, on an invention of T. G. Louis.

The invention affords a novel and desirable form of housing in which two box-like members fit together to provide a closure for all parts of the staten, the rotor, the coils and the interrupter. All are eiectively enclosed within this two-part housing, yet by removing the few screws I2, the two housings may be separated. When the housings are thus separated, one carries all parts of the magneto, with the exception of the interrupter mechanism,all such parts remaining in assembled and working relation yet Wholly and easily accessible. The interrupter is carried by the other housing and is accessible by removing the cover, such as the member I6 of Fig. 7 or the casings |3|I of Fig. 8.

What we claim is:

l. In a magneto, a frame member, a stator element supported from one face of said member, a hub on said face carrying bearings, a drive shaft mounted in said bearings and projecting beyond opposite ends of said hub, a rotor supported by one end of said shaft and on the same side of said member as said stator and cooperating therewith, said hub having a recess therein opening to the opposite face of said frame, means located in said reces for supplying lubricant to said bearings, a closure plate for said recess mounted on the last-named face of said frame for angular adjustment about the axis of said shaft, an impulse coupling on the other end of said shaft and adjacent said closure plate, and a fixed abutment carried by the closure plate and cooperating with the impulse coupling.

2. In a magneto, a frame of open-box form including a back wall and a marginal wall completely embordering the back wall Yand projecting from one face thereof, a drive shaft, means fixed in said back wall for rotatably supporting said shaft, said shaft extending away from said face and beyond said marginal wall, a rotor carried by said shaft and extending beyond the marginal wall, a stator including side members shaped for cooperation with the rotor and located on opposite sides thereof and extending in a plane at right angles to the axis of the rotor beyond the same and terminating with faced ends, said stator including a. core resting at its ends one on each of said faced ends and coils on said core between the ends thereof and extending in part into the enclosure within said marginal wall, supporting pads formed on said frame and inside said marginal wall, means for clamping said side members to said pads and xing each thereof to said wall independently of the other and independently of the supporting means for said shaft, means for clamping the core ends to the faced ends of sajd side members, said side members and cores located wholly outside said enclosure, and a cover member of openbox form having a marginal wall to mate with the first-named marginal wall, said cover and frame cooperating to provide a complete enclo sure for the rotor and stator.

KENNETH A. HARMON. RALPH W. CROCKER. 

